Despite some nagging injuries, the tri-captain led the Bears this season with 14 goals and also posted 10 assists. He posted 104 career points (59 goals, 45 assists), including seven game-winning goals.

He was an All-Hockey East second-team choice as a junior.

Bridgeport is the AHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s New York Islanders. The Sound Tigers are coached by former UMaine star and Hobey Baker Award winner Scott Pellerin, who also played in the NHL.

Former Black Bear goaltender Garth Snow is the general manager of the Islanders and the Sound Tigers, while former UMaine goalie Mike Dunham, Snow’s former teammate, is the organization’s goaltenders’ coach.

Diamond joins UMaine classmates Kyle Beattie, Mark Nemec and Mike Cornell in turning pro. Earlier this week, Beattie and Nemec signed with the Orlando Sun Bears, while Cornell joined the Florida Everblades.